The Cape Comic Con is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, and lots of fun plans are in the works to make it bigger, better, and keep it growing for 10 more. Ken Murphy is the Convention Director. Originally a comic retailer, Murphy was inspired by the San Diego Comic Con – the country’s biggest comic book convention – and wanted an event just like it for Cape Girardeau. Cape Comic Con debuted in Downtown Cape with 400 people in attendance, three years later that number had doubled. “By year three I knew we were on to something special,” Murphy said, “I had a vision when it first started, and we’ve gotten there.” But Murphy’s not done yet, he says there is still tremendous room for growth, and his dream is to see Cape Comic Con become a regional show with a 5-state radius, and room for 7,500 people.

Even with these big dreams Murphy says he wants to keep the emphasis on local talent. Comic Con is a chance for artists, writers, and crafters of geeky-persuasion to show off, vend their products, and meet fellow craftsmen. This year they have teamed up with the Arts Council to set up their first exhibit ‘Caped’, which will showcase local artists of all ages. They are also hosting a panel on Missouri artists, with different jacks of all trades talking about Missouri’s hidden gems of talent.

Small business also get a boost at Comic Con. This year the convention is hosting more content than ever before with businesses like Cakes Reanimated where the cake is no lie. 10 Again Toys and Collectables will take you back to (or continue maintaining) your childhood. And of course several comic vendors will be there, keeping the con true to its name.

Gaming tournaments will also be a big feature this year. Go on an adventure with the Pathfinder tournament, or pull cheap moves on your friends until they rage-quit on Super Smash Bros, then finish them on Mortal Kombat. These game tournaments will be featured all weekend long, and there are special passes you can buy to attend.

For you cosplayers, Saturday night is the costume party and contest. Children and adults are welcome to take part, and have a chance to win cash prizes for best costume. They must be at least 25% handmade, so get out your sewing machine, and become the hero you always knew you were.

It’s just not a comic convention without special guests. As a special treat actor John Wesley Shipp of CW’s The Flash will also be attending, taking a look back on his role as the fastest man alive in the 1990’s television show, and his role now as the superhero’s father. Also attending the convention will be Misty Brew, a horror hostess, Constantine artist Jeremy Haun, Lorenzo Lizana of Lion Forge Comics, and so many more.

If you have a mighty need be sure to bring some spending money because this is the chance to shop for all the nerdy things you’ve always coveted. Enjoy unique, hand-crafted cakes, one-of-a-kind collectables, toys from your childhood. Read the comic before the next movie comes out with the large selection of comic books, get a custom sculpture of a dragon, trade in old video games for new ones, or go old-school with board games. Favorite character killed off? Tired of that couple that just won’t get together? Continue your denial by indulging in some fan art, they’ll even take commissions! Anything your nerdy heart desires will be there!

Don’t worry about ending up in the wrong castle, Cape Comic Con will be at the Osage Center at 1625 N. Kingshighway, April 17-19. Don’t miss out on any of the exciting events, check their website for all the times, panels, and after-hour specials. You can also keep track of events as they unfold on their Facebook Page.